Religion at work bill splits Jews

The Workplace Religious Freedom Act, which would strengthen the federal requirement that employers accommodate their employees' religious beliefs and is again before Congress, has caused a rift between Jews. The measure is being supported by many Jewish organizations, from the Orthodox Union to the American Jewish Committee, but it's also being opposed by civil-liberty organizations with strong Jewish constituencies, such as the ACLU.

“This legislation, whose intent is to serve as a shield against religious discrimination, may be used by some to advance their majority religious agenda, which could result in discrimination, proselytizing or harassment,” Deborah Lauter, national civil rights director of the Anti-Defamation League, wrote in an e-mail to the Forward, which has a story on the split.

The bill plays into a growing push by people wanting to better incorporate faith in the workplace. Advocates say that it is not about proselytizing others but about decompartamentalizing their own lives. The Workplace Religious Freedom Act was introduced in Congress more than a decade ago, but is now enjoying broader religious support. The Forward story has the background.